Rhinoplasty in Voorhees and South Jersey

Rhinoplasty is an important decision. Before moving forward with this procedure, consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon to have questions answered, and to get facts and statistics regarding this operation.

Is the Surgery Painful?

Because this surgery involves the nose and nasal passages, some degree of pain is expected during recovery. Most patients manage this pain effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers, although some people may need stronger medication available by prescription. The discomfort lasts only a short time.

Is Swelling Expected?

Swelling in the eye and nose area is typical, especially immediately after the rhinoplasty. The swelling gradually subsides over the first two weeks, although minor swelling could still be in place six months after the procedure.

What Type of Bruising is Common?

Everyone has different degrees of sensitivity regarding bruising. Most patients have some bruising under their eyes, usually lasting about ten days. Patients should be able to see the bruising lessen as each day passes.

Is Scarring an Issue?

As with most surgeries, scarring is an after-effect. A closed procedure involves incisions inside the nostrils where no one will see them. Some surgeries involve an incision between the nostrils.

What are the Risks?

As with any surgery, rhinoplasty has some risks. Most patients emerge on the other side of the operation without problems or complications. However, the most typical risks involve bleeding and infection. Some people also experience an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, nerve damage, or scarring.

How Much Time Do I Need Off Work?

The first seven days after surgery are the most difficult with pain, swelling, and bruising. Most people working in a sedentary profession find that taking one week of leave is sufficient. However, anyone wishing to keep the surgery a secret or working in a profession that requires physical activity should take between two and three weeks off work. A rhinoplasty surgeon can provide specific recommendations.

By gathering facts, patients planning rhinoplasty can prepare for the entire process.

The nose can attract a lot of attention because of its location in the center of the face. A disproportionate or misshapen nose can seem to detract from your overall appearance. Patients who have a deviated septum (when the cartilage in the middle of the nose is off-center) can experience difficulty breathing or sinus infections in addition to a dissatisfaction with their appearance. Whether a nose is misshapen from birth or because of an accident, there are a number of different factors that determine whether you are eligible for rhinoplasty.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a medical procedure that is used to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose. Performed by plastic surgeons under general anesthesia, it can address a wide range of defects, injuries, and aesthetic issues. In most cases it is an elective surgery performed for cosmetic reasons and everyone is not an ideal rhinoplasty candidate. What makes a person eligible for this procedure?

Patient Criteria

First and most importantly, a person must be in good overall health. Dr. Franckle will not perform elective surgery if the prospective patient has a serious medical issue that might put his or her life at risk. A heart condition or blood-clotting issue are the most common reasons patients are deemed unfit candidates for a rhinoplasty. Smokers are told to refrain from smoking before the procedure and during recovery because their habit may negatively impact healing.

When dealing with a younger rhinoplasty candidate, it is imperative that facial growth is complete. We see a lot of young patients in our office and it is important to determine if the nasal bone has reached maturity so the results of the surgery are not compromised. This happens at different ages for different patients. A consultation with Dr. Franckle is the best way to establish if your age is impacting your ability to have a rhinoplasty procedure.

Last but not least, all surgeons must consider the mental and emotional state of potential patients. In particular, Dr. Franckle wants to be certain that you, the patient, has realistic expectations about the results of a rhinoplasty. We use 3D Imaging technology in our office to give you a better vision of what your results may look like, but it is important to remember that no surgeon can guarantee a result from a plastic surgery procedure.

Financing Your Rhinoplasty

As it is an elective procedure, many insurance providers will not cover a rhinoplasty. Paying for the procedure out of pocket may be difficult for some patients so we offer financing options through Care Credit. Our staff can help walk you through the financing options over the phone before or after visiing the office for a consultation. . If you have any additional questions about this popular procedure, give us a call!

Following any type of plastic surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders in terms of recovery and postoperative care. For those who have just undergone rhinoplasty surgery, the operation on the nose typically results in the patient wearing a splint to keep the nose protected during the healing process.

Splints may be made of metal, plastic, or silicone. They are used to protect the nasal dorsum (bridge of the nose) and support the nasal septum while the nose heals. By having the splints securely in place, it ensures that the bones that have been repositioned remain stable as they heal. The septal splints are typically worn for only the first few days following rhinoplasty surgery, but the dorsal splint is worn for anywhere from a week to 10 days.

Rarely, gauze packing may be used inside the nose for internal splinting. This is more typical in the repair of nasal trauma than in cosmetic or functional (for breathing) rhinoplasty. Doing this helps prevent possible hematoma (collection of blood) formation. The internal packing compresses the mucous membranes and supports the nasal bones, providing the necessary support the tissue needs after an uncontrolled injury which may have broken the bones in many places. Patients typically find this method uncomfortable as it clogs the nose, and requires early removal due to an increased risk of infection when left for more than 48 hours.

No matter what type of splint we fit a patient with, we advise them not to remove or adjust it. Moving a splint will hinder the repositioned bones’ ability to heal correctly, and it can also expose the patient to the risk of bumping their newly reshaped nose on something. Having this happen could result in needing an additional surgery.

What would be your top complaint about your nose? Do you feel it ‘sticks out’ from the rest of your face? Would you describe it as ‘pointy’? You may be surprised to hear that a rhinoplasty procedure on its own may not be the best choice for you. The most ideal results we see in over-projected noses are from combining a rhinoplasty with a chin implant. Why both? To create balance among your entire
face.

A common fear for patients is the panic of ending up with a thin, overworked nose that doesn’t complement the rest of your facial features. By performing a rhinoplasty and a chin implant together, Dr. Franckle can keep the nose looking as natural as possible and at the same time balance out the facial features.

We also offer 3D imaging at our office during your consultation. Vectra 3D Imaging allows the patient to describe exactly what he/she dislikes about his/her nose. Dr. Franckle can then alter the shape of your nose virtually with a computer, demonstrating possible surgical results. This way, you can be sure that Dr. Franckle can see exactly what you desire. He will then explain the feasibility of achieving this result through surgery.

Worried about going through two surgeries? You don’t have to. These two procedures can be combined and performed all on the same day. The recovery time is not extended, you are simply recovering in two places, instead of one. For many patients, a rhinoplasty procedure, without a chin implant is all they need. The only way we can know this for sure is to see you in person.

After any procedure a common question among patients; “is this normal?” Should I be experiencing these symptoms or this reaction? After a rhinoplasty procedure there are certain aspects of healing patients can expect to experience.

Swellingafter a rhinoplasty will occur on the inside and the outside of the nose. The amount of swelling and how long swelling lasts depends
on the patient, but the first few days are usually the worst. Within 3 weeks of the surgery about 70% of the swelling should be reduced. Something that tends to alert patients is asymmetrical swelling because it can look as if your nose is crooked. But in fact that is just the swelling and it is part of healing. Asymmetrical swelling does not occur with every patient but it is common and may be expected in the first two weeks after surgery.

Congestion and “stuffiness” after your procedure is very common. Your nose will be swollen externally and internally which causes congestion. As the internal swelling decreases the congestion will also decrease. If you are experiencing prolonged breathing issues that may be a complication you need to discuss with your doctor.

Bruising will also occur after your procedure on almost all patients, but there are ways to reduce bruising. Two weeks prior to your procedure
stopping medications that act as blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, herbal supplements) can help reduce bruising and bleeding post-op. Many patients choose to replace their daily vitamins with herbal remedies, such as arnica forte which helps to reduce bruising. After surgery it is important to use a cold compress on the area for 3-4 days for 30 minutes a couple times daily. Wrap ice cubes in a towel so the
ice isn’t directly touching the skin.

Read your post-procedure instructions carefully before you come in for surgery. Do not wait until you start recovery to read those instructions! Make notes of any questions and ask them before we start the surgery. Knowing what you will be experiencing before you start recovery will
help you out in the end.

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*Disclaimer: Please note that outcomes from plastic surgery procedures may vary from patient to patient. Before and after images are specific to that particular patient and may not be representative of the experience of others.